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Dealing with Pain

by Heather Antonissen

All of us experience pain. From physical injury to emotional distress, pain, rather than something that is to be avoided, can be an important tool to our development as beings. Through our yoga practice, we can learn how to be with pain, experience it and become stronger as a result of it's presence.

Pain hurts. From physical injury to emotional longing, anything that causes discomfort can be considered a source of pain; and while it is a part of our everyday lives, we generally do whatever we can to find relief from it. Every day we renew our quest to find release from that which hurts and to obtain that which brings us pleasure. Although our intentions may be honorable, it is easy to get caught up in a vicious cycle of running from pain-both the fear of it and the feeling of it-and chasing after happiness. While trying to relieve discomfort and obtain happiness is not unworthy in and of itself, the methods we use to meet our goals can often be counterproductive. We seek externally to satisfy internal longings. However, in doing so, we create additional discomfort from the tension created by pushing away from what we don't want and straining after what we do. Because the root cause of the pain is not addressed, a state of constant dissatisfaction and longing is created, and our ultimate goal of finding fulfillment and happiness moves further and further away.

Ironically, pain can be the very tool needed to bring us closer to fulfillment. It is in fact the other side of happiness. It is a necessary and wonderful part of life and much of the discomfort associated with pain is our refusal to accept it's inherent goodness. Pain is extremely powerful. When present, it demands one's undivided attention. When there is emotional pain, one's whole outlook on life is affected. If there is an injury to the body, it is difficult to concentrate on anything else. Because of pain's ability to focus one's concentration, it can call attention to areas and issues that need special care and healing.

It also has the amazing power of uniting. Whether it is a stubbed toe, hurting child or sad friend, we are immediately connected to the source of pain and do what we can to protect it. Think of how the country has united together under the incredibly painful circumstances of the past month. Strangers immediately ran to offer what they could-even their own life-to help others in need. On a smaller scale, think of how quickly two people bond when personal struggle and pain is shared. There is something about pain that strips us to our bare minimum, exposing who we are. Without having to work through our own protection and boundaries, we are able to immediately connect with all that is around us.

Yet perhaps this is another reason why pain is so difficult. We are forced to be with who we really are at our core. We are no longer able to hide behind the image we would like to project or who we see ourselves as. We are open and exposed and receptive to everything around us. While pain is there to protect us, if we never learn to heal the wound the pain is protecting, we will always be bound by the confines of our bandages and never able to fully open up and receive.

Pain also challenges us and causes us to reconsider how we respond to life. It is an opportunity for growth and development. Consider stretching a pulled hamstring in forward bend. If we continue to stretch the hamstring until we experience pain, we will reinforce the pattern of behavior that initially caused the injury, prohibiting the healing of the injury and possibly creating psychological resistance to the stretch because of the discomfort. Yet if we take time to observe what may have been the cause of the injury, we can approach forward bend with a new awareness that helps us listen to the subtle messages of how to move, where to let go and where to support the stretch.

As yogi(ni)s, we have a wonderful chance to learn how to be with difficulty and how to deal with it in a way that is present and aware. By challenging ourselves in our yoga postures, we can learn how to stay relaxed in the face of difficult and even scary situations, rather than exacerbating the problem by resisting. We have the opportunity to learn about our limitations and how to work with them and through them. At each practice, we have a choice to develop our ability to choose how we respond to challenges. We have the option to remain calm and aware, slowly developing our flexibility and strength; or we can tighten and resist out of fear and frustration, thereby causing mental and potentially physical pain.

Pain is a cry for attention. When recognized as such, we can step back and observe the issue that is needing attention, without getting wrapped up in resistance to the sensation. By coming to the source with awareness and love, healing and growth can occur. Challenging situations can be a tool for growth on and off the mat. Recognize the power in being able to choose your response to those situations that are considered difficult or uncomfortable. By being with those sensations, healing and growth can occur. You may soon discover that pain, instead of an enemy, can be a friend.

Heather Antonissen, October 2001

Write to Heather at heather@yogaisyouth.com

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